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Grim warning after Christmas lunch item almost killed pet dog

With Christmas just days away, vets have warned pet owners to keep an eye on hungry dogs and cats while preparing their festive feasts, as stealing a snack could have potentially deadly consequences.

When an Adelaide couple answered a knock at the door just as they were about to sit down for dinner, 18-month-old border collie Rosie jumped up to the table and ate a meal containing a harmful ingredient.

While there was a knock at the door, border collie Rosie jumped up to the table and ate a meal containing onions, which is harmful to dogs. Source: 7 News
While there was a knock at the door, border collie Rosie jumped up to the table and ate a meal containing onions, which is harmful to dogs. Source: 7 News

“She devoured all the wife’s tea, and unfortunately it had onions in it, which is pretty deadly for dogs,” Ingle Farm pet owner John Dixon told 7 News.

“We knew we had to get her to the vets pretty much straight away.”

Vets fed Rosie charcoal and she was able to rid the toxin from her stomach, and she has since been given the all-clear.

Ingle Farm pet owner John Dixon pets Rosie. Source: 7 News
Ingle Farm pet owner John Dixon pets Rosie. Source: 7 News

Dr Alexander Sexton said the sneaky pet’s story was alarmingly common, as owners are often busy in the kitchen preparing a feast and dogs and cats are often able to help themselves.

Owners may not even know their pet has eaten something dangerous.

Aside from onions, other foods that can be potentially harmful for pets include mince pies, uncooked potatoes, cooked bones, chocolate, lollies, macadamia nuts, and grapes. Even Christmas decorations are a hazard.

Onions, chocolate, grapes and cooked bones are some of the harmful foods for pets. Source: 7 News
Onions, chocolate, grapes and cooked bones are some of the harmful foods for pets. Source: 7 News

“I’ve seen a few dogs that have eaten Christmas baubles, tinsel, wrapping paper,” Dr Sexton said.

“It can be potential fatal if they don’t receive the adequate treatment.”

Mr Dixon said he and his wife were surprised to learn the list of things that could be harmful to pets.

Vets helped Rosie rid the toxin from her stomach. Source: 7 News
Vets helped Rosie rid the toxin from her stomach. Source: 7 News

He said Rosie’s close call has taught him not to leave food on the table in future.

Pet owners have also been urged to plan for the care and safety of their animals over the Christmas and New Year festive season.